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Saturday, February 15, 2014

Happy Birthday Darrin

My baby brother Darrin was a restless kid. I could see it in his eyes when he was still quite young.
He never seemed to fit in, and even when he was 12 years old, looked as if he were late for an appointment. He was looking for something, but he couldn't seem to wrap his mind around it.
He worked as a co-op at a local AM radio station while in high school and stayed around for a while after graduation, but I got a sense each time we talked that he would only stick around for a while.
When he landed a job at the largest FM radio station in Birmingham, he moved away from home.
Since he was the baby and the last to leave the nest, it broke my mama's heart to see him drive away. His apartment was less than an hour to the east, but to my mom, he might as well have moved to the moon.
He loved the job and felt at home in the industry. Some time later he received an offer to work for The Weather Channel in Atlanta, Georgia which is about three hours away. It was a young company at the time but Darrin fit into the culture and excelled at his job.
At some point he hurt his back in a freak accident. He took prescription pain medicine to help him get by.
It was during this period that his life began to spiral out of control. The details are not important, except to say that one day he had the world by the tail, and then the roles reversed.
We buried him at the age of 35 in a shady plot next to my father at Davis Cemetery in November of 2000.
It breaks my heart he died before he found what he was looking for.

I believe with all my heart and soul that you will see Darrin again in the next life. He will be whole, healthy, and happy to see you. I have a younger brother I'm looking forward to seeing as well. He also died before his time. I am dedicating the last book in the Tides series to his memory--I know that will bring a smile to his face and it will help to ease the loss a little for me. Time and love cure everything! Debi

With my parents gone, my brothers is my closest link to my childhood. I don't know what I'd do if he died. I feel for you, Rick. You've posted a well-written tribute that your brother would be proud of.

How sad, Rick. It is sad to know that he passed so young-so restless and unhappy in the world that was around him. I think we sometimes feel guilty because we COULD NOT help....even though no matter what we did WOULD NOT have helped. My heart aches for you-I know how you feel after losing my only brother just a year ago. xo Diana

Awwww Rick. I am so sorry. Whatever happened, there are the good memories and the unbreakable bond you had with Darrin and they always outweigh all else. Wishing you a peaceful reflective weekend. Take carex

Beautifully expressed, Rick. My first husband's life spiraled out of control and ended with his death, from him trying to cope with terrible physical pain. My heart goes out to you and your family from the way-too-soon loss of your brother. Take care!

I'm so sorry you lost your brother at such young age. Life isn't always fair, but at least you've kept him alive in your memories. That's how each of us live on beyond our physical life here...that's a great gift you've given him!

I'm so sorry Rick. Jack lost his brother due to drugs and it really was the downward spiral for his parent's health. He was lucky to be loved by such a wonderful brother and remembered for all the good things about him.